Continuing Education Q&A

Q: How can I, as a recent graduate, compete against people currently in my field?

A: Lack of experience can be a major hurdle in finding your first job in any career. Your first step is to create a well-designed resume that highlights your strengths and focuses in on specific skills. Taking the time to practice interviewing techniques, and customizing your portfolio and resume for a specific company, can make you really stand out. If experience is needed, consider an internship or volunteer work as a way to gain experience.

Q: How can the impact of training be measured?

A: Organizations must assess return on training investment. It’s essential to identify key performance metrics before launching training initiatives and to deliver verifiable data on results, post-training. The Workforce Development Center works with every client to measure achievement and appropriate indicators of success.

Q: What master’s programs are available for professionals looking to enhance their careers?

A: When choosing a master’s program, evaluate your specific goals against the content, schedule and cost of the program. The most common route is the MBA, and there are many successful programs in Cincinnati. A unique alternative that is gaining popularity is a master’s program that targets key components of leadership. For example, the Mount’s master of science in organizational leadership offers cross-disciplinary courses that focus on leadership skills relating to people, organizations and technology.

Q: What current educational trends address the nursing shortage in hospitals?

A: Hospitals recognize the importance of retaining employees, and many consider continuing education a viable option. In Cincinnati, four hospitals have partnered with the College of Mount St. Joseph to offer a degree completion program for registered nurses. The Mount’s RN-to-BSN program enables employed RNs to complete courses at their work places and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 30 months.

Q: What is the role of public career-technical schools like Great Oaks in workforce development?

A: Great Oaks and other public career-technical schools were created to be the vocational, career education providers for public school districts. Because those schools have the capacity and facilities to serve more than high schoolers, we are also able to offer low-cost quality job training for adults. We directly serve our communities by partnering with businesses, chambers of commerce, and other organizations to determine current and emerging job needs. In this way, we help create and support a well-trained, quality workforce in our community.

Q. WITH SUCH A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, HOW CAN I DETERMINE WHICH ONE BEST FITS MY INTERESTS AND NEEDS?

A. First, develop a list of criteria important to you: program reputation, content, schedule, cost, admission requirements, etc. Next, research programs online. Often web sites are more thorough than brochures. Then, schedule a visit to programs of interest. Visitors to Miami University’s MBA program, for example, meet MBA students, staff and faculty, and sit in on class. Finally, match your criteria with the information you’ve gathered. The program that best meets your criteria and “feels right” will likely be the one where you are most satisfied and successful. And don’t forget that most schools have application deadlines several months before classes begin. Plan ahead!

Q: When I evaluate graduate programs in business, what criteria should I consider?

A: Be sure to choose a quality program. One measure of quality is the accreditation of your degree. The highest accrediting body in business is AACSB International — The Association to Advance of Collegiate Schools of Business. Only one in three business programs in the U.S. have achieved this quality standard. Secondly, take time to meet with the faculty who are experts in your field of interest. Ask about their research and collaboration with the business community. Finally, consider the value of the program. Be sure that you are optimizing your investment for both you and your employer.

Q: I am looking to retrain myself because I am being laid off from my current employer. How important is receiving a diploma or certification when looking for a new job?

A: You will never go wrong in earning an industry recognized certification for the occupation you decide upon. Industry recognized certifications are earned through experience and a demonstrated knowledge of a skill or a skill set. Certifications demonstrate a mark of excellence in your profession and tell potential employers that you are prepared to succeed. Good training programs will offer multiple relevant certifications that will aid you in gaining employment.

Q: I’m interested in earning a bachelor’s degree to advance my career, but I work full time. Is this the right time for me to get a bachelor’s degree?

A: Like many full-time working adults, you know that if you want to stay up to date, advance, or even change your present career, you need a bachelor’s degree. Wilmington College Blue Ash offers evening and weekend classes, full- and part-time study, accelerated programs, and credit for previous learning experiences, so your degree may be closer than you think. Our free transfer credit evaluation will show you how to quickly achieve your educational goals.